Express & Star

Neil Tooth: I expected longer as Hednesford Town boss

Neil Tooth says he expected more time as boss after Hednesford Town announced the return of Rob Smith and Larry Chambers just 12 hours after his departure was confirmed.

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Tooth, appointed as Pitmen chief this summer, was given the boot on Wednesday night after a record of two wins, two draws and three losses in the Evo-Stik Premier.

Then yesterday morning, the club revealed Smith and his assistant Chambers, who guided them to the Conference North in 2013, were back in the hotseat.

The duo were relieved of their duties at AFC Telford United in June.

Tooth posted on social media: “Shocked but not surprised is how I’m feeling this morning and if I’m completely honest a little relieved.

“I knew when I took over that this was a big job and I don’t regret taking it for a minute.

“What I didn’t expect was to only get four weeks in the role in a competitive capacity.”

He added: “My staff will go again and I’m sure the players will start to show how good they are on a consistent basis.

“As for me I go with my head held high. No regrets.”

Tooth, who previously was in charge of Sutton Coldfield Town in the same division, then put a Tweet, which read: “Turns out I’m not paranoid after all.”

Smith and Chambers are again at Keys Park after leaving for Telford in 2015.

They are now preparing for a clash against Sutton Coldfield, at home, tomorrow.

Meanwhile, local rivals Stafford Rangers host Witton Albion tomorrow aiming to end a three-game winless run in the league.

Boss Neil Kitching expects to have a full squad to choose from as ninth-placed Rangers look to record their second home win of the campaign.

“We have to be happy with 11 points from the first seven games but our home form could be better,” he said.

Stourbridge head to rock-bottom Stalybridge Celtic, Rushall Olympic host Nantwich Town, Halesowen Town go to Ashton United.

Also, in the Evo-Stik First Division South, Chasetown will be looking to bounce back from a 5-0 thrashing at Frickley Athletic as they travel to Belper Town.